- Safiu Kehinde
The Chinese businessman handing over cash to Policemen in a viral video has apologized to Nigerians.
NPO Reported that the video had on Wednesday sparked public outrage and caught the attention of the Nigerian Police Force which also condemned the act.
While the Force had vowed to take disciplinary actions against the personnel captured in the video, the Chinese businessman whose name was not disclosed had, in a post shared on X on Thursday, apologized over the conduct.
He explained that the gesture was not intended to disrespect or insult the Police Force.
According to him, it was just a food subsidies and an appreciation for the personnel’s dedication.
He, however, blamed his colleagues who recorded the procedure, stressing that they lacked knowledge of local cultural practices and regulations as it was their first time in Nigeria.
The businessman, who spoke in Mandarin, pledged to meet relevant departments and authorities to further explain the cause of the event.
He, however, urged his fellow investors to learn about Nigeria’s local culture and customs.
“Recently, I led a Chinese delegation to visit an investment opportunity in Nigeria. In the process, our local police, they provided us with excellent security services.
“To thank the security personnel for their dedication, I gave them food subsidies to express recognition and gratitude for their work.
“These meal subsidies, it doesn’t mean anything else. There’s no intention of disrespecting or insulting the local police. Just thanks.
“The atmosphere was also quite friendly. It doesn’t contain any other bad ideas. But those incident, due to our accompanying personnel’s lack of knowledge of local cultural practices and regulations, took a video of the process and sent it online.
“This is the first time they have come to Nigeria. It had a negative impact on our security team. I apologize for that. I have been committed to promoting friendly economic and trade cooperation between China and Nigeria led by more Chinese investors to invest in Nigeria and contribute to the friendly development of the two countries.
“Although this incident, there are some negative effects on the internet, but this doesn’t affect the future. I will continue to promote and lead more Chinese investors to invest in Nigeria.
“Finally, I will discuss this incident again to all relevant personnel and the impact of relevant departments. I apologize. This is a reminder to our people investing in Nigeria. Be sure to learn about the local culture and customs. Understanding local laws and regulations.
“Respect local human customs and law. Be a well-educated investor.” He said.